Winnie N. Picture

Winnie N.

Winnie Nurse, now 92, has called Farnsworth House home for two decades, but her journey through life has spanned many places and roles. She raised her children near Egleston Square, and is a proud mother of four, grandmother to five, and great-grandmother to four more. Her life has been rich with experience, from her first job at Gillette Razor to a decade spent as a secretary at Blue Cross Blue Shield, despite having no secretarial background. “They showed me how to file and use a computer,” she recalls. “I just picked it up as I went.”

Retirement didn’t slow her down. In fact, it opened new doors. Encouraged by her co-workers, Winnie’s world expanded beyond Boston, leading her on 10 to 12 cruises with her family, where she experienced the sights and sounds of Spain, France, and Italy. But just as she was settling into this new phase, her daughter had three children in quick succession. Winnie was overjoyed to help raise her grandchildren, spending the early years deeply involved in their care.

Once the little ones were older, Winnie found herself back in the workforce, this time at the Hynes Convention Center, taking tickets and guiding guests—always on her feet, always moving. Staying active has been a constant in her life. Whether it was walking around Jamaica Pond or visiting the Reggie Lewis Center, Winnie’s daily routine often involved some form of exercise.

Today, even at 92, Winnie begins each morning at 8 a.m. sharp, joining the coaches on channel 26 from Age Strong Boston Commission for a workout. Despite battling arthritis, particularly in her back, Winnie never skips her exercises. “I wake up in pain every day, but I push through it,” she says. “By 1 p.m., I feel much better.”

She’s excited about the return of the Fitness First Program at Rogerson Communities, a fitness initiative she always took advantage of before COVID. Although she’s waiting for her doctor’s approval, she’s ready to jump back in, staying as active as her body will allow.

Winnie’s story is a testament to the power of movement and perseverance. For her, staying active isn’t just about fitness—it’s about maintaining her independence, fighting through pain, and living each day with purpose. Even at 92, she proves that age is just a number when it comes to keeping the body in motion.